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Saturn L81 specs: 181 ci (3.0L) 6-cylinder, 3.386 x 3.346 in (86 x 85 mm) bore and stroke, 10:1 compression. Rated 182 hp. DOHC. Rod ratio and piston speed.
The Saturn GM 54-Degree V6 (L81) is close to square: 3.3858" bore against 3.3465" stroke, within 1.2%, which splits the difference between a high-revving layout and a torque layout. The 3.3465" stroke does not reach 4,000 ft/min of mean piston speed until about 7,150 RPM, so piston speed is not what limits this engine's revs — valvetrain and breathing are. Each of the 6 cylinders displaces 30.2 ci (494 cc).
10:1 on aluminum heads is in the range that usually runs on pump premium; aluminum sheds heat faster than iron, which makes the same number a little more forgiving.
Factory fitments include the Saturn L-Series, Saturn Vue, Saturn L-Series L300.
| Displacement | 181 ci / 3 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.3858" |
| Stroke | 3.3465" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.012 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 182 hp |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.012 — square — bore and stroke are within 5%, a balanced compromise |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,347 ft/min — conservative for a street engine |
| Displacement per cylinder | 30.2 ci |
| Static compression | 10:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
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